Pilot Training: Some time ago, I mentioned the use of CAP air missions over friendly rear-area bases as a means to continue training of fighter pilots beyond the maximum levels they reach using “conventional” AE training missions. Indications are showing the practice is effective in producing a gradual increase of experience levels for pilots in fighter squadrons where this type of mission is being flown – experience level increases are modest but evenly distributed across all pilots in most squadrons. Fighter pilots in these squadrons are already trained to 70 Air and Strafing skill levels before these CAP missions were begun – thus, the CAP missions are increasing only experience levels.

Fighter squadrons where this type of CAP mission is being flown are already deployed in front-line theatres – the practice is now being used in all Pacific theatres (Central, South, SW). Squadrons flying this operation are set to 30% CAP (continuous), everything else at rest – pilot fatigue remains well below 10, very few planes damaged and no ops losses.

It should be emphasized this type of CAP mission does not replace use of the “conventional” AE training mission for fighter pilots – it is intended as a third level of training for fighter pilots that have already completed training for Air (1st training level) and Strafing (2nd traiining level) skills with the standard AE training mission in training squadrons specifically designated for that purpose. My implementation of CAP mission training for fighter pilots has not replaced or reduced designated pilot training squadrons. There are currently 1800+ Allied fighter pilots (all nationalities) in the replacement pool who have completed one or both the first two levels of Air and Strafing skills training – this number excludes fighter pilots already assigned to front-line squadrons and also fighter pilots currently in a designated pilot training squadron to complete either Air or Strafing skill training.

Within the context of my PBEM campaign, the large scale use of CAP missions for fighter pilot training is a temporary luxury – something that can be done with front-line squadrons in the time they’re awaiting active combat. It’s something not as well suited for 1941-42 or the late campaign, but useful and feasible at this point in 1943. Primary objective of these CAP air missions as initially designed is increasing pilot experience levels in front-line fighter squadrons (mainly in the Pacific theatre areas) during whatever time remains before the start of Allied general offensive operations. Except for a small number of squadrons based at airfields within possible range of Japanese LBA, most of the fighter squadrons now flying these CAP missions were otherwise idle.

Pilot training as an industry…

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub attacks Japanese TF containing light surface ASW in a night action, another hit scored on a small Jap escort ship. AAR follows.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/14 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several locations including Baker Is, Majuro and Roi-Namur. Unidentified Jap planes are shown detected on Roi-Namur and Baker Is, ship(s) in port at Roi-Namur. No other visible Japanese forces or activity were observed at these locations.

US patrol sub Trout reports contact with E13A1 Jake floatplane at hex location 112, 113 south of Truk. This incident will be watched further for any additional contacts. Additional US sub patrols are operating in nearby sea areas surrounding SS Trout.

South Pacific: Unidentified Japanese sub spotted off Suva (hex location 132, 161) by Hudson III naval search air patrol. US surface ASW is also operating in the hex but did not engage the Jap submarine.

The second detachment of transport convoy WP-61 (convoy WP-61B, 10 ships) arrived this game turn in Wellington from the mainland US. Convoy arriving aboard WP-61B includes 62K supply and 5K fuel, no air units or LCU.

Australia: All Dutch CL based in Australia upgraded their on-board spotter planes from CXI-W to OS2U-3 Kingfishers - planes drawn from the Australian replacement pool. The five Dutch CL's along with all eligible Dutch DD’s are currently in 6/43 ship upgrade at ports in Australia.

Andaman Sea: US sub Muskallunge hit and damaged in attack by Ki-30 Ann air patrol while on patrol at hex location 47, 70 south of Phuket. Reported damage to SS Muskallunge is system 35, float 5, engine 1 – sub now returning to base at 17 kts speed for repair.

An attempted night air strike against Magwe airfield was aborted - many planes did not appear to take off, those planes that did “got lost” and returned to base. It’s uncertain whether or not weather conditions and/or other factor(s) caused the strike mission to abort. Combat Events report entries follow.

Japanese Home Islands: Sigint entry for 6/15 reporting intercepted radio transmissions from one or more unidentified Japanese TF(s) at hex location 114, 69 east of Torishima. The Jap TF(s) remain detected and visible on-map. No information available as to number of TF, composition or movement headings.

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/15 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Jap planes based there, also ship(s) in port and LCU(s). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Truk.

South Pacific: US patrol sub in the Solomon Sea intercepts and sinks Jap transport. AAR follows.

Catalina naval search air patrol (operating from NE Australia) spots one or more detected Jap TF(s) in Woodlark Is base hex. Composition of one Jap TF at Woodlark identified as two ships including one xAKL and one AM.

USAAF B-25 bombers hit Mandalay airfield in a night air strike. No Japanese planes reported destroyed, minor if any damage on Mandalay airfield facilities. One B-25 bomber returned to base damaged, no planes were lost. Combat Events report entries and AAR’s follow.

CAP engaged: 253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes 13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 4 scrambling) 4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

6/43 Ship Upgrade: One of the more valuable ship upgrades available this month is for US S-class submarines. What stands out with this particular upgrade is that it effectively doubles the movement range of these subs. The timing of this upgrade presents a significant factor when applying the 6/43 update for US S-class subs - many S-class subs have ship withdrawal dates in late 1943 bringing into consideration the remaining time an individual sub of this class has in the game until its scheduled withdrawal date. Repair time to complete the 6/43 update varies between individual S-class subs – many update in only 8 days, others as long as 27 days. For the S-class subs with late 1943 withdrawal dates, the time needed to complete the update of an individual sub must be balanced against now much time that sub will remain in the game. My plans are giving priority for this upgrade to those S-class subs with no scheduled withdrawal date, or with withdrawal dates in or beyond early 1944. It is likely at this point that S-class subs with late 1943 withdrawal dates will not receive the 6/43 upgrade – this decision based on maximizing use of these subs during the time they remain in the game and are still available for front-line operations.

US West Coast: Intercepted radio transmissions from an unidentified Japanese sub reported in a 6/17 Sigint entry. Detected position of the sub is WSW of San Francisco (hex location 213, 73) – no information as to the sub’s movement heading. The Jap sub remains well off the US coastline, no Allied ships currently in or immediately due to pass through the sea area near the sub.

Central Pacific: US sub Bowfin attacked and severely damaged by a B5N2 Kate bomber while on patrol north of Truk (hex location 111, 101). Reported damage levels to SS Bowfin are system 82, float 68, engine 16. SS Bowfin is making way at 5 kts movement. Given the location and type of aircraft involved, this incident could be considered a likely contact with the KB. A second US patrol sub is operating in a nearby patrol area to the south of SS Bowfin between SS Bowfin’s position and Truk – this second sub had no reported contacts this game turn with Japanese planes or ships. My estimate is pointing to the KB probably caught in the act of arriving in or leaving Truk to/from the north.

Sigint entries for 6/17 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Baker Is and Wotje. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Wotje or Baker Is.

USAAF and RAF bombers hit oil production facilities at Magwe in a night air strike. No Allied plane losses or damaged, five Japanese CAP fighters (3 Ki-44 Tojo, 2 A6M5 Zero) destroyed in air-to-air combat.

Reported results of the raid indicate little if any additional damage to oil production in Magwe (see base status below) – while this indication could be the result of FOW and a short-term lapse in Allied recon flights over Magwe, it is likely the combination of night and weather conditions over Magwe make the reported results accurate.

An observation from my own experience of night bombing ops and something I also took from previous discussion in the forum (Pillager’s night bombing thread) is that results of night bombing raids as reported to the attacking side (Allied in my case) may often understate the actual results. In the forum, Pillager’s report of night bombing raid results consistently exceeded information I was receiving in my own AE reports, this even with Allied recon over the target. Based on all this… it cannot be assumed that night bombing over Burma is completely ineffective, though the opposite cannot be assumed either. The truth most likely lies somewhere in between, the details not expected to be revealed by Pillager at least prior to the post-PBEM analysis.

“You won’t have China to kick around anymore” - While the fall of Chungking was inevitable, the timing was a mild surprise. My estimate prior to this game turn was that Chungking had another month or so left in its life span. Pillager had achieved 1:1 odds (actually near 1.5:1 with a 6288 to 4245 AV edge) in his last Japanese deliberate ground attack on 6/12, this being my indication the end was approaching in Chungking.

As for dire predictions from the fall of Chungking… There is little question the collapse of China frees up a substantial number of Japanese LCU for deployment to other theatres. Over the last few months it was realized this was unavoidable and would occur at some point in time – and also had to be accounted for in Allied strategy elsewhere. It’s a given that Pillager is going to be able to put additional Japanese “boots on the ground” in places I’d rather not have them. Intelligence will likely provide a picture of exactly what Pillager is sending to where – until this information becomes known (to the extent it becomes known), the appropriate adjustments in Allied strategy will not be fully made. I have some projections but they are only projections.

But… there are still yellow LCU counters on the map, nearly all of them at full TOE strength. And air squadrons too. Anything that I could legitimately transfer out of China (within HR limits) got out – this contingent now in India. Chinese forces in India include 11 infantry LCU and two HQ, all these units rebuilt to full TOE strength. One additional Chinese LCU (3rd New Chinese Corps) is now marching across northern Burma near the border into India. Much of the Chinese AF also resides in India – the core of the air contingent being fighter squadrons plus a smaller number of bombers. Current training and skill levels of Chinese pilots in India are already comparable to US/British front-line counterparts – they will at least make best use of the planes they have available. Chinese plane and LCU element replacement pools will likely be a long-term problem but that’s a long-term problem.

In the belly of the Japanese empire, the wrath of Walmart has been provoked. A new sun is rising, bright yellow with a smiley face. Thousands of them, opening up all over the place. Japanese co-prosperity is going out of business.

Central Pacific: US sub Bowfin damaged in an air attack last game turn N of Truk has sunk. Damage levels on SS Bowfin indicated getting the sub back to any base for repair (the sub was heading for Pearl Harbor) would have been a long, difficult proposition with an uncertain probability of success.

Sigint entry for 6/18 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap. Detected status of Maleolap shows no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Dutch squadrons (12 PBY-5 Catalinas total) arriving aboard EX-36 are part of the rebuilt Dutch air arm that reentered the game at Aden – the squadrons were rebuilt in Aden and transported to Capetown where they were picked up by the convoy. The squadrons are under SW Pacific command to be employed in naval search air ops.

South Pacific: Hudson III naval search air patrol spots unidentified Jap submarine at hex location 131, 161 (adjacent hex SW of Suva) - sub is reported moving on a W heading. No Allied shipping currently in or due to enter the immediate area of this contact.

The most significant is a small group of non-transferrable Chinese LCU in southern China blocking the road going into Burma. This group cannot leave China per HR and includes remnants of six Chinese infantry corps plus a base force LCU (435 AV face value) occupying a mountain hex along the road between Tsuyung and Paoshan (hex location 67, 44). One unidentified Japanese LCU is detected in the hex. Pillager is no doubt aware of the Chinese blocking force and is expected to dispatch a Japanese ground force to take it out.

Also, there is the front in western China which has been inactive in recent months. Pillager had stopped the Japanese advance here after capturing Urumchi. There is no Chinese ground force of any consequence in western China – one infantry corps, one infantry brigade and four base force LCU; all of these non-transferrable command, badly depleted and absolutely nowhere to go. Known Japanese ground forces on the western China front includes one Japanese division (3rd Infantry) – parts or all of this division probably occupying Urumchi. Neither of the two remaining Chinese controlled base hexes (Wasu and Kashgar) contain anything of significance for the Japanese to capture. The western front in China is expected to remain inactive – though in the event of the USSR entering the campaign, Russian ground forces may be able to use Wasu as a potential entry point into China (via the road leading from the Russian off-map base at Alma-Ata).

Manchuria: A number of recent Sigint entries are indicating movement of various Jap flak LCU into Port Arthur for likely transfer from the Kwantung Army to other front-line commands. This development not much of a surprise as Manchuria is a source of flak units that Pillager can access with little or no consequence to the Kwantung Army or to Japanese AA defenses in general. A side effect of this is Japanese PP expenditures to transfer flak LCU out of Manchuria does compete with PP requirements for transferring Jap LCU from China to other theatres – not necessarily a bad thing.

China: Combat between group of non-transferrable Chinese LCU in southern China occupying mountain hex between Tsuyung and Paoshan along the road to Burma and the Japanese LCU previously detected in the hex. AAR and situation map follows.

John piping in again. I read about the dislodging of your forces at Chungking. One thought came to me that may prove valuable to you. When I moved five divisions into Northern Burma to fight a similar sized force, I had no idea that I would dislodge them rather easily. What has proved a major pain is that this enemy force, although weakened and cut off from all support is still nearby, thus forcing me to keep that large allied force garrisoned nearby to ensure that what I have taken does not fall to the stragglers as it most likely would if I pulled my forces forward towards Rangoon. The point here is this: perhaps you could do the same to pillager. Scatter your force around the area and force him to either chase you or garrison to resist you. It doesn't matter if you are able to engage ever again. It is the "fleet in being" idea applied to your Army. You may not be able to extract or save any of these units, but you can chew up a fair measure of time playing goose goose duck, thus tying down a goodly portion of his China forces.

Chinese ground forces still holding out are non-transferrable LCU with nowhere to go. These units are at or near remnant strength, no base of supply. My course of action is making Pillager chase them down with the Japanese army and waste a little more time and effort. That little group in the mountains is blocking the road to Burma, a Chinese Thermopolye. I'm investigating whether it is possibile to airlift supply to them from Ledo. Even if our HR allowed these Chinese LCU to march overland to Ledo, they would likely disintegrate in the mountains or jungle before they reached India. There's a slight chance of Western China being useful as a bridgehead for Russian forces if the USSR enters the game.

With both Chungking and Chengtu in Japanese control, all the Chinese LCU destroyed at Chungking are virtually eliminated from the game permanently. The only possible exception to permanent elimination is an invasion of China by other Allied forces (US/British or Russian) and a re-capture of either Chungking or Chengtu. With all but the far western areas of China occupied by the Japanese - this invasion would have to make its way across China (from either the coast, northern or southern borders) to reach Chungking and then re-capture it. Not an impossible task but the liberation of China is also not a very feasible Allied strategy in that this operation would likely consume most if not all available Allied ground forces and logistical resources at the expense of other operations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

However... there are Chinese ground and air forces still in the game, alive and well in India. If you had the Free French, why not the Free Chinese?

With the HR we have in effect, Chinese LCU and air units could not exit China unless they are transferrable command and PP are paid for their transfer. With most Chinese LCU being non-transferrable except for a number of smaller units, this is a moot point anyway. There are a dozen or so smaller Chinese LCU (mostly division size) which are transferrable - nearly all of these reached India and now rebuilt to full TOE strength. These Chinese LCU are now under Southeast Asia command and basically part of the Allied armies in India. They are at least a useful addition for defensive purposes and/or to merely occupy territory.

Nearly all these Chinese LCU reached India as cadres (well less than 10% TOE strength) via air evacuation. My attempted supply airlift from Ledo to China in late 1942 proved useless, it simply could not transport enough supply points with the available planes and the rate at which supply points could reach Ledo. Once this became apparent, my Allied airlift operations between Ledo and China reversed direction - instead of moving supply in, the planes were evacuating remnants of transferrable Chinese LCU out to India.

It should also be noted given the general supply situation (more specifically the complete lack thereof) inside China, there was not enough available supply points within China for Chinese LCU in China to draw replacement elements. Through most of 1942 and the first half of 1943, Chinese replacement elements were accumulating in the pools and could not be drawn into Chinese LCU inside China due to supply. However... depleted Chinese LCU reaching India have access to a sufficient quantity of supply points, could and did rebuild with replacement pool elements. After the fall of Chungking, the end result is a relatively small number of surviving Chinese LCU combined with a fairly good pool of replacement elements given the number of Chinese units this pool has to support. Replacement pools for the Chinese army no longer receive any new additions of squads or equipment with the fall of Chungking - what is in these pools now is all there is and conserving them is a factor. This means avoiding the use of Chinese ground forces in operations where they will likely encounter high levels of attrition.

A small Chinese air force also exists in India, this now attached to 10th USAAF command. What I had to look at in the case of the air force was how many squadrons (and what kind of squadrons) could actually be supported in India given the numbers of Chinese pilots and planes available. Many Chinese air squadrons (about 1/2 the air force) stayed behind in China and deliberately grounded to face elimination after being stripped of planes and pilots (mostly pilots without planes) to the maximum extent possible. In any case, there was no supply inside China to fly or maintain these squadrons.

Evacution of Chinese air squadrons to India worked along three guidelines - (1) withdrawal date if any, (2) type of squadron, (3) how many and what kind of Chinese squadrons in India could be adequately supported with the available Chinese pilots and planes. In most other respects, evacuation of the Chinese air force to India went much along the same lines as described above with the army - the main difference being they could fly themselves out rather than evacuation via air transport. Pilots and planes removed from Chinese AF squadrons remaining inside China were evacuated via the replacement pools.

The Chinese air force now in India includes seven first line squadrons (4 fighter, 3 bomber, all with no withdrawal dates) plus seven additional squadrons that have withdrawal dates. This Chinese AF is now operating completely in pilot training mode, training standards for Chinese pilots the same as those for their US and British counterparts. By mid-1944, strength of the Chinese air force will be reduced to the core of 7 squadrons that do not have a withdrawal date. My goal here is to fully train as many Chinese replacement pilots as possible in the time I still have most or all the 14 available Chinese squadrons. The seven "permanent" Chinese squadrons are intended to operate with the best possible pilots and planes available.

Like the army, Chinese air squadrons in India will have a useful second-line role, particularly the fighter squadrons. The primary plane type for Chinese AF fighter squadrons is the H81-A3 (early P-40 variant) - I took the liberty of swapping all H81-A3 planes from AVG squadrons into the replacement pools before the squadrons were withdrawn from the game (the AVG leaving the game with Russian I-15 and I-16 types, plus perfectly good US pilots from these squadrons replaced with all rookies). Chinese fighter squadrons will not be expected to go up against Tojos and advanced Jap fighter planes, though they are well suited to handle unescorted Jap bombers. Chinese bomber squadrons will be of more limited value mainly due to quality and quantities of available Chinese bomber plane types, also fewer Chinese bomber pilots.

Plane and pilot replacement pools for the Chinese air force are under the same constraints as replacement pools for the Chinese army - what's now in these pools is all there is, no new replacements entering the pools with Chungking gone. A larger part of current Chinese pilot and plane replacement pool contents is for the fighter arm - more available trained fighter pilots and fighter planes than bombers.

Chinese air and ground forces in India are fragile but could prove a useful addition to other Allied forces in India/Southeast Asia if properly employed and preserved within their limitations. Supplied Chinese LCU at full TOE strength are quite different from the starved and depleted units Pillager faced in Chungking. Chinese air squadrons with fully trained pilots and best available planes should also prove different.

Much of what's been done and still doing with Chinese forces in India is drawn from my experience with the small Dutch contingent I still have running around. Many of the conditions and issues I experienced with Dutch forces since Japanese conquest of the DEI in early-1942 also apply in the case of Chinese forces now. You never know... there could be a Chinese LCU marching into Tokyo, or maybe a Dutch one.

India: Allied air unit reinforcements arriving in India over the last several game turns include a group of air transport squadrons intended for use in flying airlift missions “over the Hump” to China – these too little and too late for helping the situation there. All these squadrons are equipped with C-46 Commando transports though numbers of planes in the squadrons are below full strength. As there are no longer Chinese forces in China to supply (except possibly the small group holding out in the mountains near Paoshan), other tasks are being looked into for these new squadrons. All these squadrons are also restricted command plus they have scheduled withdrawal dates on or around 12/01/43.

Plans under consideration for this group of transport squadrons include transfer to rear-area bases inside mainland India for employment as training squadrons until their 12/43 scheduled withdrawal dates - as they are USAAF, they would be training US transport pilots that can be used anywhere. While these squadrons are in the game, they could possibly train USAAF air transport pilots in sufficient numbers to cover much if not all requirements for trained USAAF air transport pilots (across all theatres) from the reserve pool for the remainder of the campaign. Also being considered at a time near the squadrons’ scheduled withdrawal dates is “upgrading” some of these squadrons with older US transport plane types, drawing C-46 Commando planes from upgraded squadrons into the replacement pools. Plans also include leaving the plane strength of these squadrons at current levels throughout the time they are in the game – no planes to be drawn into these squadrons except for the “upgrades” mentioned above.

Air transport squadron reinforcements mentioned here are in excess to current and (short-term) projected requirements for ongoing Allied air transport activities in the India theatre area. USAAF and RAF air transport squadrons already in India prior to arrival of these reinforcements are considered sufficient to cover Allied air transport needs within India.

What’s mentioned above in this particular topic can be included as part of my Allied local and global adjustments resulting from the recent collapse in China. Other items directly or indirectly related to the collapse of China will no doubt come up in various places and times through the remainder of the campaign - future items of significance or value related to this subject will be mentioned here to illustrate various things and issues in AE that need to or can be addressed on the Allied side in the aftermath of a complete elimination of China.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/22 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from several bases in this theatre – including Kwajalein (heavy volume), Roi-Namur and Canton Is. Detected statuses show unidentified Jap planes based in all three locations, ship(s) anchored in port at Kwajalein and Roi-Namur. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Kwajalein, Roi-Namur or Canton Is.

Attempted air strike by USAAF and RAF 2E bombers against Magwe failed – many planes not taking off, others turned back. Weather not ruled out a possible factor in addition to the usual night stuff. Air and theatre HQ commanders located in Calcutta were checked – commander of HQ Eastern Command (theatre) replaced with an upgrade in air rating, commanders in the two Air HQ in Calcutta (AHQ Bengal and 221 Group RAF) were found adequate. Combat Events report entries follow.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/23 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap and Baker Is. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, otherwise no other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either location.

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/23 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tassafronga (Guadalcanal). Detected status of Tassafronga is showing it as a dot hex base – Pillager must have some kind of Japanese activity in progress at Tassafronga for a Sigint entry to appear from this location. It would be safe to conclude Pillager is likely engaged in base construction at Tassafronga.

Australia: Unidentified Jap submarine detected off Brisbane (hex location 100, 160). No Allied ships currently in or due to pass through the sub’s location. If Pillager has this sub here to find something, it will prove to be another waste of Japanese fuel. I’ve had the good fortune in this campaign of having Allied transport shipping activity almost (at minimum) if not entirely invisible – Pillager likely with little or no accurate information as to extent of the Allied buildup, where or how it is occurring.

China: USAAF and RAF bombers hit Japanese-controlled heavy industry at Kunming in a low-level daylight raid. No Allied bombers reported lost, 3 bombers returned to base damaged. While it’s not known whether Pillager is actually using the HI facilities in Kunming as part of the Japanese war economy (or to what extent), the raid certainly diminished Kunming’s value as a “cog in the wheel” at least for the short term. While HI in Kunming is only an outpost of the Japanese war economy, it is within reach of Allied bombers and thus a target of opportunity (all other things being equal).

The decision to launch a low-level daylight raid was the combination of three factors – (1) no known Jap flak LCU in Kunming based on available intelligence data, (2) any Japanese planes Pillager had in Kunming were likely engaged in air strikes against Chinese LCU holding out in the mountains nearby rather than CAP, (3) Pillager's likely comfort level with the overall situation in China given the recent fall of Chungking.

Detected status at Kunming (post raid) shows heavy industry 14(38), light industry 81(0), 2 Jap LCU’s, plus an unknown number of unidentified Japanese planes. A similar attack on light industry in Kunming is inviting, but I suspect Pillager’s level of vigilance in Kunming has increased dramatically. Plus a high possibility of Japanese counter measures against Ledo (jumping-off point for Allied bombers launched on Kunming) within the next game turn or two.

AAR’s of the Kunming attack follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Kunming, at 69,48

Central Pacific: Sigint entry for 6/24 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Funafuti. Detected status of Funafuti shows unidentified Jap planes based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/24 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni and Luganville. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Jap planes based there, one or more Jap LCU(s) shown at Luganville. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at either base. Both Luganville and Ndeni are already identified as Japanese “bases of significance”. Luganville is the more developed of the two bases – current detected port size 3(3), airfield size 4(5). Ndeni has a detected size 3(5) airfield, port size 1(1). Both Ndeni and Luganville are garrisoned with small combat units (SNLF) along with engineer and base force LCU.

Convoy WP-63 (35 transports, 2 LST, 6 LSI) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes two LCU (4 USMC Tank Bn, B Det USN Port Svc), 195K supply and 41K fuel. LST and LSI arriving with WP-63 will be detached from the convoy and remain in South Pacific theatre for use in future operations.

India: The Japanese counter-strike on Ledo occurred as anticipated. All Allied bombers that participated in last game turn’s attack on Kunming had transferred out of Ledo prior to the attack – no Allied planes were in Ledo during the Japanese strike. I had expected Pillager to quickly identify Ledo airfield as the staging point for the Kunming raid and that he would promptly launch an airfield strike on Ledo to destroy Allied bombers on the ground if Japanese bombers to do this were readily available. My plan for staging, launching and recovery of the Kunming strike worked perfectly – though had I moved some fighter squadrons into Ledo as the bombers were leaving, the Japanese counter-strike on Ledo would have had a less happier ending for the Japanese.

Ledo airfield was moderately damaged during the attack – 54 runway and 32 service damage reported. Both engineers and supply are readily available in Ledo for the necessary airfield repairs. 13 Japanese planes (12 G4M1 Betty, one Ki-49 Helen) reported lost in the raid – 6 due to flak, 7 ops losses.

There are no Allied planes permanently based at Ledo so the airfield (though not the base itself) is again vacant. AAR’s follow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Ledo, at 65,38

My Apologies. I did not read the entire battle report and did not realize your forces were not dislodged but destroyed. As someone else once said, just toss my comments on that into the dumpster.

On those restricted C-46s (and C-47s) that go away end of 43, they return in early 44 repackaged. The lack of planes is a real pain. I am in mid-44 and those groups are still under equipped. I have no good advice on how to use them. I am using them to support my advance in Burma. In your situation I would think about loading up Karachi and using these squadrons to bring supply to Calcutta. Somewhere in the interior you will need to develop a supply base, the planes can't reach Calcutta from Karachi. That will reduce some of the need to bring supply in from the sea.

But in reality, you may want to move those squadrons to Aussie if you can. Flying supplies around is very helpful there. Otherwise, train them up and move the pilots to reserve and keep up the cycle may be all you can do.

I have a large force hauling to China out of Ledo and Tezpur. I have another hauling out of Perth to Broome. I have a third hauling out of Melbourne to Darwin and another from Townesville to Darwin. Another two lines are flying out of Luganville to the Canal, and from there to other small Islands. That isn't necessary, there is plenty of shipping available, but they were available and had nothing else to do. I am moving some airlift to Dutch Harbor to fly foward as needed. Although I ignored the North for most of the war, in recent months enemy activity has picked up and I am preparing to push them out, using Adak as the forward base. One thought, if you can reach those remaining LCUs in the mountains, then supply them by air unless that is just too dangerous (enemy cap in area).

Since I am a Pastor, I will be really busy the next couple of weeks. Am still building up strength and replenishing across the board. I am moving against Pagwe (small air base in Northern Marianas) to put that out of business. Otherwise, planning to move against Iwo Jima in 45. Beginning to shift focus to Mac and to bring 5 divisions forward from San Francisco to commence ops to secure NG and prepare for the Philippines. For now, not much happening except to hit Prome and Pagwe. Otherwise it is upgrades, training, and replenishment, all which is going well.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/25 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Maleolap and Wotje. Detected statuses of the two bases show no visible Japanese forces or activity in either location.

Another 6/25 Sigint entry reports heavy volume of Jap radio transmissions from Kwajalein. Detected status of Kwajalein shows the expected Jap planes based there and ship(s) in port – none of these identified. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Kwajalein.

USAAF and RAF 2E bombers attack Mandalay airfield in a night raid. Intent of the raid had been to attack Japanese bombers (believed to be those that hit Ledo) detected on the ground in Mandalay last game turn by British aerial recon. Planes destroyed in this action included 4 Ki-45 Nick and 2 RAF Blenheim IV bombers – all ops losses.

CAP engaged: 253 Ku S-1/C with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 2 scrambling) 1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 10000, scrambling fighters between 1000 and 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes 13th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIb Nick (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 6 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 9000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 12000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Air attack on Mandalay, at 59,46

John piping in with a correction. In my campaign I am going after Pagan, not Pagwe, as mentioned earlier. It is a level three base that I have surpressed. I have decided to push the enemy out, thus controlling all the Marianas in order to extend my ASW by air range. Guam is a major base now. Lots of shipping in the area. Mid July and moving on. John, watching and learning as the Gators get ready to drink the gatorade and go after Pillager. BTW I withdrew all B-29 squadrons due to leave in Oct 44. The planes were spread around to rebuild several other depleted squadrons. Instead of 6 months to fully refit, it looks as though it will be done in three. Will transfer them eventually. XX USAAF HQ is in India. So is XX USAAF Bomber Command. John

On those restricted C-46s (and C-47s) that go away end of 43, they return in early 44 repackaged. The lack of planes is a real pain. I am in mid-44 and those groups are still under equipped. I have no good advice on how to use them. I am using them to support my advance in Burma. In your situation I would think about loading up Karachi and using these squadrons to bring supply to Calcutta. Somewhere in the interior you will need to develop a supply base, the planes can't reach Calcutta from Karachi. That will reduce some of the need to bring supply in from the sea.

But in reality, you may want to move those squadrons to Aussie if you can. Flying supplies around is very helpful there. Otherwise, train them up and move the pilots to reserve and keep up the cycle may be all you can do.

All the USAAF restricted air transport squadrons that just arrived in India aren't transferrable - they're stuck in India under 10th USAAF command until they withdraw in 12/43. At this stage of the campaign and with the current situation, the number of available Allied air transport sqiadrons in India vastly exceeds current demand. The transport squadrons would be useful with China still in the game (they are no doubt intended for use in flying supply from Ledo into China over the Hump). However, with China out of the game, the new transport squadrons are merely surplus to requirements. All these squadrons have since been transferred to rear-area bases in mainland India and employed in a training role. My estimate is by 12/43 (their withdrawal date) these squadrons can produce about 100-150 or so USAAF transport pilots (at least partially trained). I'm anticipating this number of trained USAAF transport pilots in the reserve pilot pool (by 12/43) should be adequate to handle any requirements in USAAF air transport squadrons through 1945 across all theatres.

I also made the decision not to add planes from the replacement pools to these squadrons except possibly a small number of planes in a case where the additional planes would boost pilot training. Adding planes to these squadrons (except in the one case I just mentioned) is simply not worthwhile. The policy I set in place for planes in the replacement pools is giving priority for these planes to front-line squadrons in (or planned to enter) active operations with preference to squadrons that do not have a withdrawal date or that have a withdrawal date late in the campaign (mid-1944 and later). Replacement planes are conserved and kept in the pools until absolutely needed - squadrons only drawing replacement planes when there is a specific need to have them.

I have a group of 10-12 air transport squadrons already in the South and SW Pacific theatre areas. Plus additional USAAF air transport squadrons that periodically arrive in the game as reinforcements for SW Pacific under 5th USAAF command are at various stages of transit from the Eastern US to Australia aboard EX transport convoys. Plans are to extensively use air transport in both South and SW Pacific to push supply into front-line bases to the greatest extent possible.

quote:

BTW I withdrew all B-29 squadrons due to leave in Oct 44. The planes were spread around to rebuild several other depleted squadrons. Instead of 6 months to fully refit, it looks as though it will be done in three. Will transfer them eventually. XX USAAF HQ is in India. So is XX USAAF Bomber Command. John

Haven't even thought about B-29's yet - though I am salivating a little. If Pillager thinks 2 dozen Liberators on night air strikes over Burma is bad, hell has yet to break loose. My projection for the next 12-18 months in this campaign is for the 4E bomber force to be employed as an"aerial artillery corps". Whatever they hit is intended to get pasted badly.

US patrol sub (SS Haddock) off southeastern coast of Sakhalin reports contact with a detected Jap TF at hex position 125, 47 (S of Shikuka). The Jap TF contains 7 ships and moving northbound. No reported combat between SS Haddock and the Jap TF.

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub (SS Paddle) hit and damaged in attack by B4Y1 Jean air patrol E of Hokkaido (hex location 124, 50). Reported damage to SS Paddle is system 33, float 22, no engine or fire – sub is returning to base for repair at 16 kts movement.

Eastern US: Transport convoy EX-41 (29 transports, one AD, plus BB Pennsylvania) departing the Eastern US for Australia via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (183 USAAF Base Force), two air transport squadrons, 109K supply and 48K fuel. BB Pennsylvania had been on the US East Coast to repair damage from 12/7/41 and also completed several ship upgrades – the BB is travelling with the convoy to Australia where it will eventually join other US surface naval forces.

South Pacific: Operations report entry for 6/26 indicates Japanese “torpedo bomber” sighted flying over US 24th Infantry Regiment located on Savaii. The likely origin of the Jap “torpedo bomber” could be an unidentified Jap submarine visible on the game map at hex location 144, 156 (W of Wallis Is) and moving on a W heading. The Jap sub itself did not appear in any of the game turn reports (Operations, Combat Events or AAR). There is no evidence of any Japanese construction activity at Wallis Is – detected airfield size there is 1(3), port size 1(1). There are no known Jap forces of any kind located on Wallis Is per available intelligence data. Bases at Wallis Is and Hoorn Islands are Japanese-controlled but appear to be unoccupied.

Sea of Japan: US sub Blackfish on patrol off the eastern coast of Korea attacked and hit by a Ki-30 Ann air patrol (100 lb bomb). SS Blackfish received only minor system damage (system damage 4) but did have a forward torpedo tube knocked out. The sub is running low on both torpedoes and fuel and had been due to return to base for replenishment – orders issued for SS Blackfish to immediately leave its patrol area and return to base for both repair and replenishment.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/27 report Jap radio transmissions from Canton and Baker islands. Detected statuses of the two bases show unidentified Jap planes based at both Canton and Baker, otherwise no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

Another 6/27 Sigint entry reports radio transmissions from an unidentified Jap submarine at hex location 168, 135 southwest of Palmyra. No movement information on this sub available.

South Pacific: Operations report entry for 6/27 indicates Japanese plane again sighted flying over US 24th Infantry Regiment on Savaii. The Jap plane is this time identified as a float fighter – this more in line with its (now) confirmed origin from a Jap submarine. The Jap submarine remains unidentified but is still visible on the game map at hex location 147, 155 (N of Savaii) – the sub moved eastward this game turn from its previous spotted position.

No bombers in the night raid reached Magwe. Combat Reports entries below indicate the bombing mission was cancelled for 25 of the 64 bombers ordered on the raid. Entries from the Combat Events report entries follow – there were no AAR’s.

The daylight raid on Magwe airfield had been launched on the premise that if Pillager was concentrating the attention of Japanese CAP fighters against night bombing raids, a daylight strike would hit the airfield unmolested. As seen below, the premise was incorrect. Incoming Allied bombers were detected by Japanese radar in both AAR’s below

The four USAAF B-25C squadrons (64 planes total) in the daylight raid lost 40 bombers with 27 pilots. Of the two RAF Wellington Ic squadrons (32 planes total), 23 bombers were lost with 16 pilots – one Wellington squadron losing all its planes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

CAP engaged: 85th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 5 plane(s) intercepting now. 0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 12000 Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes 1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 22 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes 5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 15 scrambling) 3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Magwe, at 57,47

CAP engaged: 1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 20 scrambling) 7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 20000, scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes 5th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling) 17 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 6000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 13000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes 85th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. 5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact. Group patrol altitude is 12000, scrambling fighters between 8000 and 12000. Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

6/43 Ship Upgrades: This particular upgrade is ongoing and has become a rather large piece of short-term micromanagement due to the volume of ships. Three main groups of ships are involved.

1) Medium and large US transport ships – This group includes most medium and large xAK classes in the US ship inventory, also most US TK and AO classes. Upgrade for these ships is primarily an increase in AA armament, not a priority upgrade but still a useful one to be done as time allows. Transport ships eligible for the 6/43 upgrade that were in mainland US ports (East or West coast) on 6/01/43 entered the upgrade process immediately on 6/01, these ships have completed the upgrade and returned to service. The bulk of transport ships eligible for upgrade were in convoy operations on 6/01 (mainly with WP or EX convoys). Upgrading of these ships is the ongoing process with these ships entering upgrade in rotation as they return to the mainland US with their convoys. Once completing upgrade, the ships are returned to convoy operations. Typical 6/43 upgrade time for these transports is 10-15 days. The rotation of US transport ships through the 6/43 ship upgrade is expected to continue well into 7/43 as many upgrade-eligible ships are with WP or EX convoys at sea on return trips to the mainland US. Transport ship upgrades for 6/43 has not been a significant disruption to convoy operations, just a rather huge amount of micromanagement.

2) Light US surface ASW (SC and PC) – Main areas of operations for US SC’s are the US West Coast and Hawaii, with a group of 15 or so SC operating in the South Pacific theatre (mainly around Suva and New Zealand). SC’s based in Hawaii and the US West Coast have all completed upgrade as DD were available in quantity to relieve them for the 18 days required to complete the upgrade. Upgrading of the 15 SC in the South Pacific is being handled on a rotation basis as most of these ships need to remain available for local escort and ASW operations. SC upgrades in the South Pacific are being done 3-4 at a time and expected to continue until 8/43. The 6/43 upgrade for US light surface ASW is rather useful, these ships receiving radar plus additional ASW armament.

3) US S-class submarines – This is the smallest of the three groups and confined to the South Pacific area. Primary management task of this upgrade is identifying which subs will (or will not) receive the upgrade. Individual subs with scheduled ship withdrawal dates in late-1943 were not planned to receive the upgrade, this decision proved to be an aid in that subs having withdrawal dates are operating on patrol while the others are being upgraded. As stated in an earlier post, the 6/43 upgrade is rather valuable for S-class subs remaining in the game as it more than doubles their movement endurance (from 3000-4000 to 8000-9000). Nearly all S-class subs selected for upgrade have completed the upgrade process at this time and returned to active operations, the last ones to be upgraded are currently in process and expected to return by mid-7/43.

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub near Shikoku reports contact with large Japanese transport convoy, engaged by surface ASW escorting the convoy. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Kochi at 106,62 (SW of Kobe)

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 6/29 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Tabiteuea. Detected statuses of the two bases show unidentified Jap planes based at both Canton Is and Tabiteuea, unidentified ship(s) at anchor in Tabiteuea. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Tabiteuea or Canton Is.

South Pacific: US patrol sub in contact with escorted Japanese transport convoy. Jap convoy remains detected on the game map, reported moving on a NE heading. AAR follows.

India: The last transferrable Chinese LCU (3rd New Chinese Corps) to leave China reached Ledo this game turn after an overland march through northern Burma. The LCU reached Burma with 90 support squads, no combat elements. After transfer to Southeast Asia command (joining other Chinese LCU already in India), plans for 3 New Chinese Corps include transfer to Bombay for rebuilding to full TOE strength.

7/43 Ship Upgrades: This month’s upgrade is small compared to the rather large 6/43 upgrade. Ships eligible for upgrade appear to include some US Fletcher DD’s plus BB South Dakota – all ships in this group now in US West Coast ports and immediately entering upgrade.

East China Sea: US submarines return to patrol zones in this sea area.

AAR of daylight surface action along the western coast of Korea follows. SS Saury reporting two Japanese TF’s in this hex location – one Jap TF with 5 ships moving northbound, a second TF moving south with 4 ships.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack near Moppo at 99,53 (NW of Moppo)

Float plane from an unidentified Jap submarine is again reported flying over US 24th Infantry Regiment on Savaii – this appearing in a 6/30 Operations report entry. The Jap submarine is visible on the game map at hex location 148, 156 (NE of Savaii), movement of the sub not known. Pillager could be employing this sub for recon or as a picket sub to detect Allied sea movements moving northward from Suva/Samoa.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 9 aircraft (type unknown), 8 Jap LCU’s (-3 from last report), resource production 2(19). Three unidentified Jap LCU are visible on the game map in the adjacent base at Meiktila, it is possible these are the three Jap LCU’s no longer in Mandalay.

The USAAF 2E bomber squadron carrying out this attack is the first of a group of 2E bomber squadrons specialized in low-level naval air attacks (skip bombing). Pilots and planes assigned to this group of squadrons are configured specifically for naval strike missions at either normal or low altitudes. This group currently consists of 5-6 USAAF bomber squadrons (all 2E) at various advanced stages of preparation – pilots in these squadrons in final stages of training and/or the squadrons due to receive planes. Plane equipment for US squadrons in this group are planned to consist of either B-25D1 or B-25G Mitchells (both plane types appear to be well adapted to this type of mission). Six additional ANZAC 2E bomber squadrons (3 Australian, 3 NZ) are also planned to join this group – trained pilots specialized in both high and low level naval strike, though planes in these squadrons will not be quite up to USAAF equipment. Two of the Australian 2E units are now operating in front-line service as torpedo squadrons with Beaufort VIII planes.

It should be noted a second group of Allied 2E squadrons exist similarly equipped and specialized for bombing operations against ground targets. Specialization of air units has its risks, also its rewards. One point I came to in my planning process months ago for 2E bomber squadrons was that creating “all purpose” bombing units was simply unfeasible - "all purpose" bomber units would more likely be equally good or bad (or indifferent) at everything. First, any "all purpose" 2E squadron probably isn't going to do anything particularly well. Secondly, you can’t create enough pilots fully trained in all bombing skills (ground and naval attack, high and low altitude) – though it is quite possible to prepare adequate numbers of fully trained bomber pilots specialized for either ground or naval attack. There are Allied 2E bombing plane types well suited for naval attack that (I viewed) should be employed in this role in specialized squadrons with suitably trained pilots to operate them. Other 2E bomber plane types are more general-purpose and can be relegated to a primary ground attack role – these in a separate group of 2E squadrons with pilots appropriately trained for ground attack. Also note that by switching both planes and pilots in a given 2E bomber squadron, the unit can readily convert from naval attack specialization to being specialized for attacking ground targets and vice versa.

The one part of the equation that must be kept in mind (when including both 2E and 4E bomber squadrons) is that the majority of trained bomber pilots need to be prepared for use in ground bombing operations – naval attack being confined to a small group of 2E squadrons, the remaining 2E bomber squadrons and all 4E squadrons operating mainly if not entirely as ground attack units.

Sigint entries from 7/01 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Lunga and Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Jap planes based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity.

Unidentified Jap planes are shown based at Lunga, also ship(s) in port. Detected airfield size at Lunga is 5(5), port size 3(1) – this more or less confirming Pillager is building Lunga as a major Japanese base in the eastern Solomons. No other visible Japanese forces or activity at Lunga.

Float plane from an unidentified Jap submarine continues flying over US 24th Infantry Regiment on Savaii – reported in a 7/01 Operations report entry. The Jap submarine is visible on the game map and now at hex location 143, 156 (NW of Savaii), reported movement of the sub on a W heading.

Indian Ocean: One or more unidentified Japanese TF(s) detected and visible on the game map at hex location 36, 98 (NW of Cocos Is). A 7/01 Sigint report entry indicates a Japanese PB probably from the Jap TF(s) is moving to hex location 33, 94. I have no estimate of what the Japanese TF(s) is/are or their mission – my best educated guess is Pillager may have these ships deployed as a picket against another US carrier attack on Palembang or other targets in the DEI. There is no plan at this time for US carriers to return to Palembang.

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay from aerial recon – 13 aircraft (type unknown), 8 Jap LCU’s, Three unidentified Jap LCU remain visible on the game map in the adjacent base at Meiktila, Pillager might be creating another Japanese air base here.

John Starting over.December 7 JAPAN ATTACKS PEARL HARBOR. NAVY TAKES HEAVY LOSSES (AP). Territory of Hawaii. Pearl Harbor, home to the Pacific Fleet, and the island of Hawaii were attacked early this morning Hawaiian time. For a couple of hours the sounds of combat roiled the vincinity of Honolulu, the fleet base at Pearl Harbor, Hickham Army Airfield and Ewa Marine airfield. Dark black smoke and several large explosions were visable over the harbor and the airfields. Smoke continues to rise up from the harbor several hours after the attack. Marital law has been imposed.

Ok--I had to start over because of a major system crash forcing a factory restart. I don't think that I will catch up to where I was by the time our host dispatches his opponent, but I plan to put into effect the wonderful advice that keeps showing up in this thread.

My account has never been a blow by blow affair nor will it be. I hope to occasionally pipe in with significant developments and reports on how the advice is working.

The details at PH. Three BBs sunk (WV, ARI, NEV) and the rest banged up. Two cruisers sunk, Honolulu and Raleigh. Honolulu is a significant loss due to its escort ability for the carriers. Raleigh is a second rate light cruiser not suitable to escorting Carriers. Several of the other cruisers took damage, some heavy, but all are in drydock and most will be available in about a month. A lot of the small fry is damaged, but all are being repaired. Four dds were sunk. Both AVs took damage. The Pacific Fleet is unable to project power except for the carriers. Lexington is headed to Midway to offload the Marine DB squadron. Enterprise is running NE looking for Oilers but really just getting out of the way. She likely will head for the west coast and team up with Saratoga. Lexington will likely do the same, waiting for Yorktown. I am reinforcing Canton Island with the stuff intended for Suva.

The PIs are preparing, but nothing will stop the eventual overrun. All subs have been ordered to Perth and all transports and escorts have been ordered out. In China, the exodus to defensable positions is starting. No sense trying to hold clear hexes.

Initial positioning and resumption of training is underway big time in India. First decision is to abandon Singapore. All reinforcements headed to Calcutta. Prince of Wales took three torpedos and is limping back to Columbus. Repulse is also limping back, but in better shape. All sealift is concentrating on DEI to begin hauling fuel to Aussie. I hope to get out 1 million tons. Those ships will then move to Capetown and start the sealift to India and Aussie.

All fighter and bomber units on West Coast have gone into training mode with several squadrons earmarked for India flying to the East Coast to be lifted.

Analysis--the Pacific Fleet is out of action (except for the carriers and light stuff) for at least three months. The battleships are out of action for much more than that since I cannot devote drydock space to making them seaworthy enough for the trip to the West Coast for several months yet. Most have more than 50% floatation damage. Fortunately, none have over 30% major floatation damage. So they are tied to the pier making the best of it. Eventually they will move to the coast for major overhauls and upgrades.

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/02 reports heavy volume of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Rabaul. Detected status of Rabaul shows unidentified Jap planes based there also ship(s) in port – airfield size shown at 4(6), port size 4(4). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed in Rabaul.

Another Sigint entry for 7/02 reports Jap 10th Infantry Division is now located at Lunga, confirming my earlier intelligence reports that Pillager was transferring this division from Noumea to Lunga. It’s very unlikely Pillager has completely abandoned Noumea – the question now becomes how strongly he is defending it. The movement of 10th Division provides some indication that Noumea is not exactly a major strongpoint in Pillager’s Japanese outer perimeter, though Noumea will no doubt be defended in some amount of strength.

My suspicion is that Pillager is setting the main line of defense for this part of the Japanese outer perimeter to include Madang, Lae, Rabaul, the entire length of the Solomon island chain, along with Luganville and Ndeni – this being true (assuming it is), the role of Noumea and Port Moresby could be as well-defended forward outposts more intended to act as a “shock absorber” against an Allied offensive as well as an “early warning system” providing Pillager with some idea as to where I’m going with Allied forces and in how much strength.

South Pacific: Japanese picket sub remains north of Samoa, float plane from sub reported over Savaii. Detected position of the sub is W of Wallis Is (hex location 144, 156) – the sub appears to be moving east to west in a set patrol zone pattern N of Savaii.

Western Pacific: Visible Japanese TF(s) at various points off the China coastline.

One contact appeared in a 7/04 Sigint entry at hex location 75, 65 (S of Hong Kong), report of heavy volume of radio transmissions intercepted from TF(s) in this contact. This particular contact and Sigint report follows a 7/03 Sigint entry reporting heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from Hong Kong base. No information available to identify the TF(s), their composition or movement heading.

US patrol sub (SS Sculpin) reports contact with a visible Jap TF north of Taihoku at hex location 87, 61. The Jap TF contains 4 ships (including one PB, one PC) moving on a NE heading. No reported combat occurred between SS Sculpin and the Jap TF. My estimate of this contact is that the Jap TF is possible surface ASW.

A third unidentified Japanese contact is one or multiple TF(s) at hex location 93, 62 (N of Taihoku, SW of Okinawa) in the East China Sea. This contact does not appear in any Sigint, Operations, Combat Events report entry or AAR. There is also no US patrol sub operating in the immediate area of this contact. No information available on identity of the Jap TF(s), composition or movement heading.

No estimate can be made as to what significance (if any) these contacts have. I'm entertaining the possbility Pillager could be using Hong Kong as a departure point for some Japanese LCU freed up after the fall of Chungking - though as of now I have no specific evidence leading in this direction.

USAAF and RAF 4E bombers launch night airfield strike against Pegu. I had a previous report of Japanese planes detected in Pegu base – this an indication Pillager may have been using Pegu airfield as a “satellite” location for parking Japanese air squadrons out of sight between missions. No report of Japanese planes destroyed, also no report of damage from the raid on Pegu airfield facilities. Detected status of Pegu base shows 18 Jap aircraft (9 fighters). No Allied bombers lost, one RAF Liberator II returned to base damaged. In the final analysis, the raid was much to do about practically nothing. Combat Events entry and AAR’s follow.

4 x 7th BG/9th BS B-24D Liberator stray due to night

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night Air attack on Pegu, at 55,53

India: A short-term plan under consideration for 10th USAAF is a temporary refit of one or more of the four front-line USAAF 2E bomber squadrons now operating over Burma with B-17E and B-17F planes being returned to the replacement pool by USAAF 4E squadrons in the Pacific theatres that are now in the process of upgrading to B-24 variants. All four 10th USAAF 2E squadrons are currently equipped with B-25C Mitchells. The plan is for these squadrons to draw B-17’s from the replacement pools as they become available. Use of B-17 planes by the 2E squadrons will likely continue as long as "supplies (of B-17's) last" - the squadrons eventually returning to their original 2E configuration. The number of 2E squadrons to be converted will depend on the number of B-17 planes available and any need for 2E bomber squadrons (specialized for ground attack missions) in the Burma/India theatre area. One additional factor in executing this plan is increasing numbers of B-25C replacement planes available to USAAF 2E ground attack squadrons in the Pacific theatres.

The plan (of course) is subject to how the overall situation evolves in Burma.

Given the current circumstances in the India theatre, employment of additional 4E bombers in strike operations over Burma is of greater value than retaining 2E bombers. In particular the B-17's longer range allows converted 2E bomber squadrons to reach additional targets - increased bomb load of the B-17 is useful as well.

India: Conversion of the four (front-line) 10th USAAF 2E bomber squadrons based in Calcutta from B-25C to B-17E planes was completed this game turn. The plane type conversion was done at a total cost of 240 PP (60 PP per squadron) – the PP cost is more or less equivalent to transferring the same or identical squadrons between two major theatre commands. Given the overall strategic (air) situation in the India/Burma theatre area and that the bomber squadrons are being employed at longer ranges from Calcutta against targets in Burma, conversion of the 2E bomber squadrons to 4E planes increases the usefulness of the squadrons in terms of longer range to reach additional targets and increased bomb loads. Conversion of Pacific theatre USAAF 4E bomber squadrons from B-17 to B-24 variants is adding numbers of B-17E and F planes to the replacement pools as second-line aircraft. The B-17 planes are still useful in a combat role at this point of the campaign and quite suitable for employment on the night bombing missions currently being done against targets in Burma. Converting these squadrons also releases numbers of B-25C planes to the replacement pools, the B-25C currently the primary plane type of front-line USAAF 2E squadrons in the Pacific theatres operating in a specialized ground attack role.